Valve Train Device with Nested Lost Motion Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve train devices for engines, which include a lost motion unit between the camshaft and poppet valves, increase the size and weight of the engine, making it difficult to ensure installation space and leading to higher production costs due to the need for larger components.
Innovation Solution
A valve train device configuration that incorporates a lost motion unit without increasing the engine's height, using a first spring to close the valves and a second spring with a larger diameter to urge the lost motion unit, allowing the device to be installed in a dead space near the fluid path of the cylinder head, thus preventing protrusion and reducing the engine's height and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lost motion unit is included between the camshaft and poppet valves to interrupt power transmission during low speed rotation, then the poppet valve can be held in a closed position, but the size and weight of the engine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the lost motion unit within the existing valve train structure, specifically within the cylinder head space. The lost motion unit is integrated into the valve train assembly rather than being a separate external component, allowing it to be housed within the existing engine architecture. This nested configuration enables the lost motion functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the overall engine size or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by arranging the lost motion unit in a configuration that exploits available space within the cylinder head. The second spring is positioned with its other end side disposed at a portion closer to the stem portion than the first spring, creating a compact arrangement that fits within the existing engine footprint. This spatial optimization allows the lost motion unit to be accommodated without increasing the engine's external dimensions.
2Reliability
If a lost motion unit is included between the camshaft and poppet valves to interrupt power transmission during low speed rotation, then the poppet valve can be held in a closed position, but the height of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lost motion unit is nested within the existing valve train structure, specifically within the cylinder head space. The unit is integrated into the valve train assembly rather than being a separate external component, allowing it to be housed within the existing engine architecture. This nested configuration enables the lost motion functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the overall engine size or height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by arranging the lost motion unit in a configuration that exploits available space within the cylinder head. The second spring is positioned with its other end side disposed at a portion closer to the stem portion than the first spring, creating a compact arrangement that fits within the existing engine footprint. This spatial optimization allows the lost motion unit to be accommodated without increasing the engine's external dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the valve train device is increased to accommodate the lost motion unit, then the lost motion functionality can be properly implemented, but dedicated components must be produced increasing production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the valve train device to accommodate multiple functions within a unified structure. The lost motion unit is integrated into the existing valve train components, allowing the same assembly to serve both the primary valve operation function and the lost motion control function. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing production complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The lost motion unit is nested within the existing valve train structure, specifically within the cylinder head space. The unit is integrated into the valve train assembly rather than being a separate external component, allowing it to be housed within the existing engine architecture. This nested configuration enables the lost motion functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the overall engine size or weight.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures installation space for the engine, reduces weight, and eliminates the need for additional components, thereby minimizing production costs while maintaining the functionality of the valve train device.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring urging the valve unit in a direction to close the intake valve or exhaust valve
Implementation Method 2
a second spring having a diameter lager than that of the first spring and urging the lost motion unit against the valve lifter
Data Source
AI summary
A valve train device installed in a cylinder head of an engine and driven by a camshaft including a valve unit having an intake valve and an exhaust valve communicated with a combustion chamber of an engine, each of the intake valve and exhaust valve having a linearly extending stem portion and driven in an extending direction of the stem portion; a valve lifter disposed between one end side of the stem portion located apart from the combustion chamber and the camshaft to transmit power from the camshaft to the valve unit; a lost motion unit that interrupts power transmission from the valve lifter to the valve unit; a first spring urging the valve unit in a direction to close the intake valve or exhaust valve; and a second spring having a diameter lager than that of the first spring and urging the lost motion unit against the valve lifter.